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A lively coastal city full of bars and restaurants. Pattaya is known for its vibrant nightlife, golden beaches and its selection of world-class golf courses. There are more than 25 courses in the area, and these are some of the best.
Pattaya is located just over 60 miles south-east of Bangkok and is very easy to reach. The town was one of Thailand’s first every beach resorts, having provided rest and relaxation for American soldiers in the 1960’s. There are many sandy beaches within the vicinity and water sports, such as snorkelling and scuba diving are popular. The nightlife also plays a large role in attracting visitors to Pattaya, with bars and clubs plentiful and due to the volume of people visiting for a holiday, the number of high quality hotels is increasing all the time.
Pattaya also stands as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The city boasts a growing selection of exceptional golf courses that perfectly combine challenging play with stunning natural beauty, a testament to the city's commitment to providing golf enthusiasts with world-class facilities and unforgettable rounds amidst the breathtaking coastal landscape.
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The many benefit of playing golf in Pattaya, beyond the great weather and generally excellent condition of the courses, is that affordable green fees mean a round here won't break the bank. The golf courses in Pattaya can match anything found in the whole of Asia and beyond, yet cost a fraction of the price to play, making Pattaya a dream destination for those who like to pack as much golf as possible into their break. Not only that, but the golf courses in this area of Thailand are suitable for players of all abilities, so whether you are a good, experienced golfer or a beginner, there is definitely something for you in Pattaya.
The following ten golf courses are our pick of the very best Pattaya has to offer:
#1. Siam Country Club Old Course
This award-winning masterpiece, annual venue of LPGA Honda Classic, is a true bucket-list course
Siam Country Club Old Course
One of the most famous golf courses in Thailand and a regular on Golf Digest's list of the Top 100 courses in the world, the Old Course at Siam Country Club is (as the name would suggest) one of the oldest golf courses in Thailand, having opened for play in 1970. A 2007 renovation by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley brought the course up to modern standards while keeping much of the original layout intact, with some new additions in the form or devilish water hazards and artfully-sculpted bunkers.
Immaculate, landscaped fairways lined with mature trees, plentiful water hazards and high-lipped bunkers, the lightning fast and severely undulating putting surfaces—every aspect of this wonderful course contributes to what is an intoxicating challenge, all watched over by a large golden Buddha, best seen from the green of the 9th hole.
Being located so close to the centre of Pattaya, Siam Country Club Old Course is also very convenient for a round of golf at any time of day and there is really no excuse not to include this golf course on your Pattaya golf itinerary.
Location: 25 minutes from central Pattaya / 1h 45m from Bangkok
Birdies: Wonderful layout, perfect greens, great clubhouse
Bogeys: Can be very busy, so book ahead; operates two-tee start in high season so no mid-morning tee times
Best hole: The par-3 8th, with its carry over water to well-protected green
Green Fee Price: From THB 4,500 (~$130 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#2. Siam Country Club Plantation Course
A spectacular, world-class course with some very challenging holes and the largest green complex in Thailand
Siam Country Club Plantation Course
Siam Country Club's suite of excellent golf courses includes the Plantation Course, which makes #2 on our list. Widely regarded as one the best golf courses in Thailand, it has Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley to thank for its splendour, while the conditioning here is second to none—indeed, the course is a three-time winner of Best Maintained Course in Asia Pacific at the Asian Golf Awards.
The course boasts 27 holes and is based on the former pineapple plantation from which it takes its name. There are significant elevation changes on this golf course, and at its highest point you can enjoy views extending to the Gulf of Thailand, which is over 10 kilometres away.
Do not expect an easy ride here. Your game will be tested in every way thanks to undulating greens, large high-lipped bunkers, forced carries over water, elevated greens and blind tee shots. Notably, there is a triple green on the course, which comes into play on the 7th hole of the Tapioca Course and the 4th and 9th holes of the Pineapple Course, which is an interesting touch by the designers.
The Sugar Cane Course is the third of the three sets of nine holes at the SCC's Plantation Course and this is considered by many to be the best of three. However, we recommend you play each of them and decide for yourself!
Location: 25 minutes from central Pattaya / 1h 45m from Bangkok
Birdies: Perfect conditioning and a variety of challenges across 27-holes
Bogeys: Can be very busy, so book ahead
Best hole: The par-5 5th on the Sugar Cane Course, with its 30 bunkers
Green Fee Price: From THB 4,000 (~$116 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#3. Chee Chan Golf Resort
A stunning course that has twice been deservedly voted Best Course in Thailand
Chee Chan Golf Resort
Dramatically set in the shadows of the famous Khao Chee Chan Buddha, and offering unforgettable views of the Gulf of Thailand, Chee Chan Golf Resort is a visually stunning affair. Open since 2018 and collecting rave reviews ever since, its an 18-hole links style course with undulating, rolling fairways and contoured greens, all of which are typically in excellent condition. There is a choice of tees at Chee Chan Golf Resort, with the championship tees playing to 7,345 yards while the shortest tees play to 6,527 yards, meaning that players of all abilities can enjoy a round here.
The course overlooks the Khao Chee Chan Buddha, and the views from the course are superb, with mountains, lakes and temples wherever you look; there is a real feeling of relaxation and peace when playing here. However, you cannot afford to take your focus off the golf course as the significant bunkering and water can easily spoil what had the makings of a good round.
The splended golf course coupled with the modern clubhouse make Chee Chan Golf Resort a tremendous addition to the burgeoning collection of world class Pattaya golf courses. Highly recommended.
Location: 40 minutes south of Pattaya / 2 hours from Bangkok
Birdies: Superb conditioning of the course
Bogeys: The course is very long and secondary rough too punishing
Best Hole: The 14th – a monster par 5 with plenty of hazards
Green Fee Price: From THB 3,600 (~$105 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#4. Laem Chabang International Country Club
Ranked as one of the best in Thailand, this picturesque Jack Nicklaus design is a must-play
Laem Chabang International Country Club
Established in 1995 and designed by Jack Nicklaus, the 27 holes of Laem Chabang International Country Club make up what is widely considered to be the best layout in Pattaya. Each type of terrain corresponds to a 9-hole loop (the Mountain, Lake and Valley nines), each with its own challenges and distinct beauty. The course is in pristine condition with lush fairways, fast and true putting greens, an immaculate clubhouse and top-class caddies.
The course makes the most of the gorgeous natural environment, incorporating coconut trees, lakes, streams, creeks and exposed rock formations to present a challenge that is enhanced by numerous well-placed sand traps. With the varied challenges on offer across its three compelling loops, it's like playing three golf courses for the price of one.
Away from the course, there are extensive practice facilities, and the excellent clubhouse houses top class locker rooms, a well-stocked pro shop, and a large restaurant serving local and international fare. A trip to Laem Chabang International Country Club should form part of any Pattaya golf holiday.
Location: 30 mins from downtown Pattaya / 1h 50m from Bangkok
Birdies: One of Thailand’s finest golf courses, with excellent clubhouse facilities
Bogeys: None we can think of
Best hole: The par-3 2nd on the Mountain nine, which plays downhill to a green protected in front by water
Green Fee Price: From THB 3,200 (~$93 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#5. Siam Country Club Rolling Hills
The newest course at Siam CC is an impeccably maintained and thrilling challenge
Unique, distinct, and different: the 4th and latest golf course at the stunning Siam Country Club Pattaya, Rolling Hills is a gorgeous championship course full of memorable holes and has garnered rave reviews for it's impeccable condition, natural beauty and thrilling challenge. Far removed from many of the rugged and natural designs in fashion today, the course is a hybrid of traditional elements and natural courses of the past.
Stunning visuals, and optional lines of attack in a risk-reward setting make for a memsmerising experience. Many holes have an abundance of centerline hazards that create strategic and visual excitement. Large waste areas planted with casuarina trees that become pine straw forest, waste bunkers, marsh lands, lotus pools, and lakes are the beautiful features of the golf course.
The talk of the town will be No. 15 hole, the “Wall of Death”, an uphill par 5 with a double zig-zag fairway that leads to a green guarded by a 19-foot pit bunker. It's safe to say you want to avoid this, although the glory of making it out almost makes it worth finding the sand!
Location: 25 minutes from central Pattaya / 1h 45m from Bangkok
Birdies: Really interesting and challenging par 3s
Bogeys: Trees need to time to mature
Best Hole: The par-5 15th, with its famous "Wall of Death"
Green Fee Price: From THB 4,000 (~$116 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#6. Siam Country Club Waterside Course
A water-heavy, high-class championship course that only gets better as it matures
Siam Country Club, Waterside Course
Built around the series of large lakes that give it its name, the Waterside Course at Siam Country Club is spread out over 200 acres of gently sloping terrain that recently played host to the 2022 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. There's a lot of water in play and little protection from prevailing winds, and with the course measuring a hefty 7,400 yards from the back tees, it's fair to say that a round here is no walk in the park. However, there's much to love here.
The course is kept in immaculate condition, the fairways carpeted with Paspalum and the lightning quick greens clad in ultra-dwarf Bermuda. There are some memorable holes, not least the closing holes of each nine, with the 8th and 9th both requiring a deft fade that flirts with a watery grave on approach.
The 17th is a great par-4 that dog-legs left to a semi island green,while the last is long par-5 that wraps around a lake and demands bravery off the tee if you want a brag about your final birdie as you enjoy 5-star service in the modern clubhouse after your round.
Location: 25 minutes southeast of Pattaya / 2 hours from Bangkok
Birdies: Great views and modern clubhouse
Bogeys: Carts have to stay on paths which can make things slow
Best Hole: The par-4 17th, the most difficult hole on course
Green Fee Price: From THB 4,000 (~$116 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#7. Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club
Championship-standard host of numerous Asian and European Tour events, including the 2016 Kings Cup
Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club
Established in 1993 and designed by Dennis Griffiths, Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club is a 27-hole golf course comprising three nines, the Ocean, Lake and Mountain courses. A tree-lined parkland course of gently contoured fairways, shallow bunkers, and sloping greens, it's now one of the best options for a round of golf near Pattaya.
The natural vegetation, including large mango, eucalyptus trees and flowering shrubs, adds a touch of beauty and colour to the course and there are fantastic views of the nearby mountains and gulf of Thailand to enjoy. Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club is quite rare for the region in that it does not have much in the way of water around the 27 holes. The Lake course is the only one to really feature any water hazards, which come in the way of small ponds.
In general, the 27 holes feature gently rolling fairways, shallow bunkers and sloping greens. The main difference between each set of nine is the surrounding area and views, with the Gulf of Thailand coming into view on the Ocean course and jungle clad hills providing the backdrop to the Mountain course.
Location: 30 minutes from downtown Pattaya, near Jomtien beach
Birdies: Very easy to reach
Bogeys: The newest 9 holes need to time to mature
Best hole: The par-5 9th on the Ocean course, which plays from the highest point on the course toward the Gulf of Thailand
Green Fee Price: From THB 2,100 (~$61 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#8. Pattana Golf Resort
Much-improved 27-hole championship course memorably featuring two par-6s
Pattana Golf Club and Resort
Spread out across 400 acres of rolling countryside northeast of Pattaya with panoramic views of the surrounding hills from the undulating fairways, Pattana Golf Resort is made up of three separate nines (somewhat strangely named Andreas, Brookie and Calypso) that feature enough palm trees, water hazards and uneven fairways to keep you on your toes.
Water plays a big role at Pattana Golf Club and Resort but the trees can mostly be avoided. Watch out for the wind, especially later in the afternoon which makes the course more difficult. There's also an unusual challenge on offer: the Andreas and Brookei Courses each feature a par-6 hole in excess of 600 yards!
In addition to the 27-hole golf course you will find a driving range, pro shop and three floor clubhouse, including locker rooms, spa and international restaurants.
Location: Near Siracha about 45 minutes from Pattaya / 2 hours from Bangkok
Birdies: Extensive clubhouse facilities
Bogeys: They allow 5-balls onto course which can make it very slow
Best hole: The monster 663-yard 5th hole on the A-Course
Green Fee Price: From THB 2,250 (~$65 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#9. St Andrews 2000 Golf Club
A challenging links-style experience with two par-6 holes
St Andrews 2000 Golf Club
Situated a 40-minute drive from the centre of Pattaya, St Andrews 2000 Golf Club was designed by English architect Desmond Muirhead. As a par-74 course, playing to a total of 7,777 yards, the length of the course demands immediate attention. The course has been built to replicate a classic Scottish links-style course and is aimed at players with handicaps of 18 or lower.
Comprising both elevated tees and greens, with undulating fairways, which are severe in places, this is a golf course which provides a real test to the best players out there. The real stand out feature has to be the two par-6 holes—the 4th and 13th, a whopping 878 and 861 yards respectively. While this may not please the purists, they do require extra concentration and novel course management skills.
A backdrop of rocky outcrops and ponds maximizes the visual appeal of a course where your scorecard may not end up quite so attractive, with numerous forced water carries and tricky greens making scoring well a challenge. You're well advised to bring extra golf balls.
Location: 40 minutes from downtown Pattaya, towards Rayong / 2 hours from Bangkok
Birdies: Features two exciting and challenging par-6 holes
Bogeys: Tough for high handicappers
Best hole: The dogleg-right par-6 4th, that can be reached in three if you're brave
Green Fee Price: From THB 1,900 (~$55 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#10. Burapha Golf Club
Deservedly one of the most popular golf courses in Pattaya, offering 36 excellent holes and great value for money
Burapha Golf Club, Pattaya
Designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, Burapha Golf Club opened for business in 1995 and features two 18-hole championship golf courses. Originally a members-only club that hosted the 2010 Thailand open, it has since opened its doors to visitors, which is great news as whichever combination of holes you play, you're in for a very enjoyable golfing experience.
Both golf courses make use of the natural environment and include palm trees, hills, lakes and local flora and fauna. The East course, with its wide open fairways, is probably more suited to beginners, whereas the West course will provide a challenge for the more advanced player, including professionals. The elevated tee boxes give excellent views of the holes and both courses are always very well maintained, with greens coming in a variety of sizes, keeping players on their toes throughout the round.
Location: 30 mins from downtown Pattaya / 2 hours from Bangkok
Birdies: Excellent conditioning
Bogeys: The food is not the best
Best hole: The 7th Hole on the East course, which provides magnificent views over the surrounding countryside
Green Fee Price: From THB 1,700 (~$49 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
*****
So that completes our guide to the best golf courses in the Pattaya region of Thailand. There are plenty of wonderful golf courses to choose from and it can be difficult to single one out in particular but whichever courses you decide to play, you are guaranteed a fantastic golfing holiday in Pattaya.
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